I write this from Brussels, in Belgium, the home of the Council of the European Union. I am here to host a European Union debate on investment in Africa.

For the next couple of days I will be one of the few Fulham supporters rubbing shoulders with presidents and diplomats from around the world. You may think this is a strange place to pen a review of Fulham's season, but I disagree.

Belgium is also known as the birthplace of Steed Malbranque that fast, tricky, devil-may-care, midfielder who lit up Fulham's midfield in the first few years of this century. A player I would pay money to watch.

I am sure Steed would have smiled on the football Fulham served up in the latter half of the season. It was a joy to watch the running approach play and flair of Fulham's midfield. This, after three lean years of hesitant, disjointed, football was like a sparkling spring in the desert.

Surely, this season, we have seen some of the most sumptuous passes carpeted at Craven Cottage since the glory days of the Europa League and Jean Tigana.

I would sooner watch Fulham play flair football in the Conference than win the Champions League by stopping others from playing in that manner.

I digress, it was a remarkable season that began with a shock for three people, largely, Rafael Benitez, Matt Smith and me.

Star man: Stefan Johansen (Image: Paul Burgman/Press-Photos.com)

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Probably neither of us expected us to beat eventual champions Newcastle United in the first game of the season. I was happy for Matt; I thought he was a brave player and I always had a soft spot for him. I watched his father, Dr Ian Smith, play at Kidderminster Harriers over 40 years ago. He too was a wholehearted trier that we used to call the flying doctor. Often, in those innocent days, he used to play for Harriers when he was on call and once had to be substituted early so he could tend to a patient in a Birmingham hospital.

Its a pity Matt didn't make it at Fulham, but many other fringe players did: Neeskens Kebano; Floyd Ayite and Ryan Sessegon to name but three.

I am almost resigned to the fact that the latter will go to one of the big Premier league four, for even bigger money, in the close season. You can't blame the young man who wants big time football and the money that goes with it.

It is a shame because he faces a long spell on the bench if he is snapped up. It will be such a waste, when you think what potential Sessegnon has for next season and delightful, deft, touches he could manage on our left flank.

I used to stand next to a postman in the Stevenage Road terraces, in the dark days, who said his father - a lifelong fan - refused to watch Fulham again after the club sold Tony Gale. Imagine how disappointed he would have felt about the loss of a talent like young Ryan?

On the floor: Lucas Piazon (Image: Lewis Darling)

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In the middle, it seems like we might also lose the rock that is Kevin McDonald. Here, I feel Fulham needs another classy, tough, playmaker in this transfer window - the likes of a much-younger Scott Parker. This is the last season of parachute payments and Fulham must spend it wisely.

If we can hold onto Tomas Kalas and Tim Ream in defence, maybe add another nippier defender, all could be well for another couple of seasons.

Even though I enjoyed the midfielders knocking in goals from all angles, last season, I still think we need that 20-goal a season striker who scores for fun instead of taking a malcontent on loan. How often this season did we do all the hard work in midfield to see a simple chance, or a penalty, go begging?

It is hard for me to say this , but I think if Fulham doesn't build for automatic promotion next season the club could still be down in the second tier by the time Sessegnon is due for his testimonial.

Chris Bishop is the managing editor of Forbes Africa and follows Fulham from South Africa. You can follow him here: @ChrisBishopZA